Lady Panther Volleyball’s “Opening Night Under the Lights”

South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Lady Panther Volleyball team hosted Warner University for “Opening Night Under the Lights” on Tuesday, Aug. 27 in the Panther Gymnasium. The Lady Panthers lost their first match of the season as Warner University took a 3 – 0 win. Warner won by scores of 20 -25, 22 – 25, and 25 – 27.

“Even though we lost, the team had the drive and never stopped fighting,” said Kim Crawford, SFSC head volleyball coach. “I would like to thank everyone that came out for the game. We had a tremendous turnout and support for the Lady Panthers first game.”

The first 40 students or staffat the ticket table received free Panther Fan logo T-shirts. T-shirts were also thrown to the crowd every time the Lady Panthers recorded a service ace and a miniature Panther game ball for every Lady Panthers kill recorded. Pete the Panther entertained the audience and led it in singing and dancing to “YMCA” and “The Hokey Pokey” after each set.

A season highlight will be Sept. 27 – 28, when the Lady Panthers host the SFSC Tournament and play matches against Lake Sumter State College, St. Johns River State College, Eastern Florida State College, and Clearwater Christian. The Lady Panthers will also participate in the Dig Pink initiative Thursday, Oct. 24 when SFSC hosts Webber International University in the Panther Gymnasium. The Lady Panthers will be decked out in pink uniforms and hope to raise over $2,000 for breast cancer awareness.

The Lady Panthers include two returning sophomores and nine freshmen players. Kim Crawford, a former Lady Panther and former professional volleyball player, begins her 11th season as head coach. Chad Long is the assistant volleyball coach.

“We’ve changed the dynamics of our recruiting scheme and reached out to players all over the country,” Crawford said. “We have focused on athletes that have five tool attributes, meaning they can play any position. With the right approach and consistency that the game of volleyball demands, these players have a chance to compete again at a high level in the always tough Suncoast Conference.”

The season ends in November with the Florida Community College Activities Association (FCCAA) regional tournament at Florida State College.